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Having good building contractors
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While you are considering undertaking improvements to your dwelling such as for example an extension, loft conversion or new garage, it is crucial that you find an excellent, reliable builder.
I am sure you have seen and heard about most of the horror stories and disasters developed by so called 'cowboy' builders. It is so common nowadays that they have even made a complete television series on the subject (Cowboy Builders - Five).

So how can you make sure that you avoid these problems and go about finding yourself an excellent builder who's not going to enable you to down?

Well, it is just a lot easier than you may think. Essentially, all it takes is a little bit of common sense, a small amount of research and some clear instructions and when you follow our tips below and you should not go too far wrong.

Research

You should always do some research to confirm the caliber of work performed by way of a builder before employing them to accomplish any work.

Ask for a list of six previous clients and contact them for feedback. When possible, arrange to visit one or two of the clients and view the work for yourself, especially if the job is pertinent to the work you need doing. At least you should require written references from the builders previous clients.

website will be more than happy to give you this information and so if you meet any resistance or reluctance at this early stage you need to think carefully about whether you intend to go any further.

Appearance And Behaviour

Check the looks of the builder before you employ them just because a 'dodgy' builder will often dress shabbily, drive a clapped out white van, usually without any markings and generally not run into as very professional. It appears like a cliche but these things are the tell-tale signs of a 'cowboy' builder and you ought to steer well clear.

When it comes to behaviour, be very suspicious of any tradesman that will not invest in a schedule, will not put anything on paper and/or does not give receipts. Should they seem too wanting to quote quickly and cheaply without even properly looking at the job they're quoting for the suspicions ought to be raised.

Work With An Established Local Company

A tried and tested way to avoid issues with your builder would be to work with a local company which has an established reputation. Because of this they will have a fixed office address, a company telephone number and if VAT is being charged, a VAT registration number.

Correspondence on letter headed paper with all of these items listed is also an excellent sign of a genuine business.

Ideally songsofvasistha 'll also operate as a restricted Company rather than a sole trader, but this is not essential if another things check out.

Mobile telephone numbers and email addresses are disposable so be wary if these are the only real methods of contact that the tradesman provides you with.

The reason why a local businesses is preferable is that they have to guard their reputation in the local community because word soon gets around if they do a poor job or let someone down.

Be Clear About THE NEEDS YOU HAVE

In order to avoid any doubt about what you have agreed, put everything that you want completed in writing and ask for a written estimate back from the builder. Again, any good tradesman worth coping with will expect this.

It is important that you do not keep changing your mind about what you want once the work has started because the builder will ask you for extra for changes at this time and this is where many disputes can begin.

Obviously, sometimes things should change and in cases like this you just have to be clear concerning the changes that you want and agree with the builder any additional cost that may add prior to the work is performed. Again, you need to document all changes in writing.

Other Points To Be Aware Of

In terms of contracts and agreements, the normal advice in these circumstances applies. Do not sign anything that you have not read and/or fully understood.

About website for the task, your builder may request some cash in advance but this will be avoided if possible. A reputable builder is only going to expect payment once the work has been completed to the agreed plan and signed off as satisfactory. Generally of thumb, you should never pay a lot more than 10% of the full total cost up front.

On a larger scale job, stage builder payments can also be necessary but, again, you should be clear upfront about what you are paying for and when.

If your builder requests all or part payment in cash then leave. You will be fuelling the black economy and leaving yourself open to the risk of coping with a rogue trader.

Finally, be wary of anyone who comes knocking at your door offering to 'do you a favour' or has 'materials left from a previous job' and may can you a 'great deal that will save you money'. Usually do not listen! It will never save money to hire a builder in this example.

What To Do If Things FAIL

If things do fail or you are unhappy with the quality or extent of the task carried out, speak to the builder calmly and clearly and explain why in the beginning.

If the builder does not respond, another stage is always to put your complaint on paper.

If you still cannot get yourself a resolution after putting things in writing, you should seek further advice. Individuals who you can turn to are your Solicitor, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Trading Standards or the relevant Trade Association. It certainly depends on the type and extent of the issue or builder dispute.

Summary

So there you have it. If you want to look for a good, reliable builder, do some research before you start, be clear about what you need and put everything in writing and use good sense when it comes to contracts, agreements and payment.

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